Shohreh Aghdashloo is an acclaimed Iranian-American actress best known for her powerful portrayal of Chrisjen Avasarala in the science fiction television series The Expanse. Her distinctive voice, commanding presence, and extensive body of work across film, stage, and television have earned her international recognition.
Born Shohreh Vaziri-Tabar on May 11, 1952, in Tehran, Iran, Aghdashloo was raised in a well-educated and progressive family that encouraged her artistic interests. Drawn to both politics and performance from an early age, she pursued acting while also remaining academically engaged.
In 1979, amidst the turmoil of the Iranian Revolution, Aghdashloo left Iran for the United Kingdom. There, she attended Brunel University, earning a Bachelor's degree in International Relations. Her academic focus reflected a deep-rooted interest in global affairs and social justice, which later flavored many of her character choices on screen.
Aghdashloo began her acting career in Iran during the 1970s. At the age of 20, she had already gained national recognition for her performances in a series of notable films. One of her first major roles came in The Report (1977), directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami. The film earned international recognition, including the Critics' Prize at the Moscow Film Festival.
Her performance in Desiderium (1978), directed by Ali Hatami, further cemented her status as a leading actress in Iranian cinema. These early works showcased her dramatic talents and earned her the reputation as one of Iran’s most prominent film actresses of the era.
After completing her studies and motivated by a desire to continue acting freely, Aghdashloo moved to Los Angeles, California, in 1987. There, she continued to build her career, first gaining attention through theater performances. She collaborated frequently with her husband, actor and playwright Houshang Touzie, appearing in several of his stage productions focused on the Iranian-American experience.
Aghdashloo gained widespread acclaim in the United States for her role as Nadi in the film House of Sand and Fog (2003), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This milestone established her as a respected actress in international cinema.
Her career continued to flourish with high-profile roles in both television and film. Among her most celebrated performances is her role as Chrisjen Avasarala in Amazon Prime’s science fiction series The Expanse, where her performance was widely praised for its depth and authority.
After relocating to California, Aghdashloo married Houshang Touzie, with whom she shares both a personal and professional partnership. The couple has collaborated on numerous theater projects that explore issues of exile, identity, and cultural heritage within the Iranian diaspora.
| Birth Date: | 11 May, 1952 |
| Age: | 67 yrs |
| Citizenship: | Iran |
| Birth Place: | Tehran |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American actress, born in Iran |
| Spouse: | Aydin Aghdashloo[1972-1980] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 54 million |
